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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

I have read many of Dean Koontz's novels, and this one is definitely one of the best. I like his writing: suspense novels with twists and turns, frightening without being gruesome, psychological horror without nightmares.

This is about Tim, an ordinary guy caught between a hired killer and the woman targeted. It's a case of mistaken identity. It's about discovering courage within himself. It's about determining to save an innocent life and facing real evil. It's about finding that you love someone and will do anything to protect her.

"I need to kill her, you know."

"You could just walk away."

"No, Tim. I've got an image to protect."

"Then kill me instead."

"All right. That works for me."

This hired killer is ruthless. He doesn't care who he kills, only that he kills someone. And if some innocent someone gets in the way, well, so much the better.

He has no real home; he lives from house to house if the owners are away. But they have to meet his high expectations. The home must be perfect -- clutter free, organized, even the tops of high shelves dusted. Food in the refrigerator. The kitchen clean. And, after he spends a night or two there, he leaves it better than he found it. Washes and puts away his dishes. Makes the bed. Takes a shower and wipes down the walls.

But should the owners come back before he takes his leave, well, a bit of play is in order.

And he has a really good time hunting down Tim and the woman he has been paid to kill.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

"In the southern hemisphere it's autumn right now, the days are shorter and the nights longer. What's something interesting you have found out about living 'down under'?" That's one of the questions posed by JacBerKitsch for the current EtsyBloggers blog carnival.

When I think of 'down under' I think of Australia and all the fantastic animals that live there, animals unlike any I would ever come across anywhere here in the states. I have always held a fascination for koalas and kangaroos, but there are many other unique animals to find! And I found out some very interesting facts along the way!

Koalas have got to be the cutest animal on earth! They are marsupials and, like kangaroos, the baby koala is called a joey and is carried in its mother's pouch until about six months old. When they are older, they catch a free ride on mom's back! They like to dine on eucalyptus leaves and sleep the majority of the day. Notecard - Wildlife Series Two - Koala by RMVera Studio.

Do you remember Taz the Looney Tunes Tasmanian Devil? Even though these little guys are cute, they are pretty vicious! Also endangered. And carnivorous. Watch out! They've got sharp pointy teeth, strong jaws, and ears that turn red when they are excited. They live in burrows or hollow logs, sleeping during the day and hunting at night. They can also climb trees and swim! Yikes! Tasmanian Devils Photo by PhotosAlegria.

Kangaroos are pretty fascinating creatures! They can hop up to a speed of 40 mph and uses its tail like an extra leg for support while standing. Most kangaroos can only move both back legs together and not one at a time. They are social animals and live in groups called "mobs." The baby joey is carried in mom's pouch for nine months and then climbs in and out for feeding until 12 to 17 months. (Good grief!) Mom can have three babies at one time -- one becoming mature and just out of the pouch, another developing in the pouch, and one embryo in "pause mode." Oh my aching back!! And they all live in that pouch! Plus there are four teats in the pouch and each has a different milk for the different stages of development! Can you imagine?!!

Couldn't resist this guy! The title is "Honey, since you are up, bring me a beer" Typical male....

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Nancy of NanjoDogz is this month's featured EtsyBlogger! She makes polymer clay Pandora beads with an emphasis on the shapes of various dog breeds. A really nice thing that Nancy does is to donate a portion of her sales to several animal charities.

In looking through all her puppies, I decided to show you the ones that have meaning in my life, because, of course, they are my favorites!

The German Shepherd

I had a wonderful, loving German Shepherd named Aries. This bead looks a lot like him!

The Pug

Well, this is a Puggle, but my grandpuppy is a Pug! Snowflake is his name, given him by my little granddaughter (she got him at Christmas and it snowed, thus, Snowflake!)

The Basenji

My brother had two Basenjis -- they were so cute and didn't bark! Basenjis just make a kind of yodel

sound. And they have the cutest curly tail and a belly button! And don't you just love the ears?

The West Highland Terrier

If I could talk my hubby into getting a dog, this is the one I'd want! Westies are just so cute!

Maybe I could get a Shepherd AND a Westie! The Westie could run circles through the Shepherd's legs! Oh what fun! Maybe I'd add a Basenji and she could stand on the sidelines and yodel. And we could invite Snowflake over and have a doggie party! More fun! Of course, Oliver my cat might have something to say about all this dogginess....

So.... you should get over to Nancy's shop and find your own favorite puppy bead! But, just so you know, it might be a tough choice! They are all so cute! Visit her blog too!

Today we will not dirty up the kitchen; we will not leave dirty dishes in the sink or on the counter. We will leave that dishwasher alone. For today we celebrate by eating out ALL THREE MEALS. Or by using plastic plates and forks (remember to recycle!). Or eating ice cream right out of the box (with our plastic spoon).

Yes, this is a true, real holiday, no doubt made up by some bright kid trying to get out of doing the chores!

So today, instead of dirtying up the kitchen, I'm wandering around Etsy, looking for ways to celebrate to make this holiday even more fun!

1. Get over to your favorite hamburger joint.

Hamburger and fries for you -- chicken nuggets for the kids. Don't worry, they won't eat all your fries. They'll be too busy playing on the playground!! Felt Hamburger Combo by CreationByM.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Well, we're nearing the end of the school year -- prom, graduation, yearbook signing -- and teacher gifts!!

I think this apple cozy is just the best! She also sells a pattern so you can make your own! It would be great for your work lunch box too! Crocheted Apple Cozy by Unravel Me.

This is so cute, and different! I like the background designs with the decoupaged papers and then the saying on the top -- very clever and "happy and pretty!!" (Read her profile!) To Teach is to Touch a Life Forever by Happy Pretty.

Here's a cute wooden block that teacher could use on her desk to hold down test papers or to sweetly sit on her bookshelf. I love the abc's and ruler ribbon! Live Love Teach Block by Sassy Talk.

I love this! "A book a day keeps the landfills away!" She buys the books from charity resale shops and then repurposes them, so not only does she help the environment, but she also gives back to others! How wonderful is that! A Book A Day by Roundabout.

And, just because I happen to have them in my shop...apple coasters by yours truly! Apple Coasters by Magnolia Surprise.

Hope you enjoyed your visit to the apple orchard!! And don't forget your kid's teacher(s) -- she put up with them all year! : D